The 10 Best Festivals in Ottawa, ON

Fresh reviews:

I am very surprised that nobody has written a review before now, for Carp Fair, or the Fair Grounds. I love a country fair, especially when it is close to home. This one is no exception. Along with the rides, they offer baking and crafting competitions, and those special foods you only get at the fair.The…

Jana D.

Carp Fair

Fantastic day in the capital every year!There are always the idiots who try and ruin by protesting or being obnoxious but the concerts and guests are always great and everyone is in a great mood!The fireworks that follow the daytime features are in.cred.ible as far as Canadian shows go.Highly recommend coming…

Tom W.

Canada Day Celebration Festival

enjoyed two days here this year, the music was great — Dixie Chicks and Great Big Sea… sadly couldn’t try any food or drinks because of the line ups… the one thing i did notice was that although it looked like alot of variety of foods, they all had the same tents and style of signs… not very colourful or…

Dave C.

Bluesfest

One of Ottawa’s favourite rites of spring.Every year, Doors Open Ottawa gets bigger and better. It is an opportunity to discover:— institutions— historically significant buildings— museums— government facilities— embassies— fascinating properties— science labs— places of worshipthat:a) are not usually open to…

Jeff S.

Doors Open

For the art lovers, for the volunteers, for the event whores this is the event for you!!!You really can’t have a bad night at the National Gallery surrounded by lovely art, businesses looking for volunteers, a live DJ, a stocked bar, appetizers and some generally awesome people.Timeraiser is an annual event in…

Coy W.

Timeraiser

Winterlude is A-OK in my books.Being a new Ottawa resident I thought it imperative I check out Winterlude before it’s gone for the year.I’ll be honest, I was expecting Carnival. I was expecting huge ice sculptures and presentations. There were huge ice sculptures, don’t get me wrong, but they were under cover…

Emily-Anne P.

Winterlude/Bal de Neige

I had proudly recommended this festival to a talented group of dancers visiting from Mexico. The young women volunteers saved our sanity (thanks Heather and Jeanette) from the disastrously organized event. After 3 months of emails and being ensured we would have a 30ft x 30ft stage (covered preferably) we…